asked the Minister for Social Welfare why salary increases are not being paid to the clerks of old age pension committees; and when this position will be remedied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Committee Clerks.
100.
An increase in the salaries of clerks to old age pension committees and subcommittees amounting to 9 per cent has been approved. The increase will have effect from 1st June, 1973, and arrangements are being made for payment without delay.
It is now proposed to seek sanction from the Department of the Public Service for a further increase in the clerks' salaries from 1st June, 1974, to bring them into line with the 15th round of wage increases and to take account of the extra work which has arisen from the reduction in the qualifying age for old age pension.
Good news. Thank you.
Would it be appropriate to ask the Parliamentary Secretary—it is not quite the same question—does he propose to abolish subcommittees?
What I could say to the Deputy is that during the course of the debate on the Estimate for Social Welfare the usefulness of old age pension committees and subcommittees was called into question by Deputies on both sides of the House and in view of the remarks and observations that were made during that debate I am examining the matter.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that——
Acting Chairman
I am afraid——
This is very important.
Acting Chairman
It may or may not be but it is a separate question. Next Minister, please, Minister for Defence.
The Parliamentary Secretary is not objecting.
Acting Chairman
Put down a question.
I think you are overstepping your authority.
Acting Chairman
That may be, but I am in the Chair.
I would seriously have to question your suitability for the Chair.
Acting Chairman
It does not arise on the question and the Parliamentary Secretary has replied.
It arises out of the question which the Parliamentary Secretary answered before that—a supplementary question.
Acting Chairman
I allowed a question. I cannot allow a debate.
I am surprised.
The Chair is very rigid.